Duterte had “call of nature” why he missed ASEAN Plus Three Summit photo opp, official says

November 4, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte failed on Monday to join his fellow Southeast Asian Nations leaders and their three dialogue partners in the photo session prior to their summit due to "call of nature."

In a press conference in Nonthaburi, Thailand, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III assured that Duterte was in good health condition.

"He's (Duterte) fine. He's in good health, he's in good spirit," he said.

Duterte's health condition was asked after he missed the photo session of the leaders of ASEAN and its three dialogue partners - Japan, China and South Korea.

Dominguez said that Duterte was late because it "had to do with a call of nature."

He added that he was even much late than Duterte.

Duterte was represented by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Junever Mahilum-West during the photo session.

During the 22nd ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte affirmed the importance given by the Philippines on the strategic role of the APT Cooperation in community-building efforts, "underscoring the 65 mechanisms in place."

"The Chief Executive articulated that our country welcomes the continued support of the countries comprising the Plus Three, namely, China, Japan and Republic of Korea, for the Master Plan for ASEAN Connectivity 2025," he said in a statement.

Panelo, also the chief presidential legal counsel, said Duterte welcomed China's strong commitment to support the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, citing  the sub-regional cooperation framework jumpstarts development in the remotest and least developed areas in the region, such as Mindanao.

"On Japan, the President mentioned its Expanded Partnership for Quality Infrastructure, which helps build state-of-the-art infrastructure networks in the region, like the first subway system in the Philippines," he said.

As for Korea, he said Duterte recognized its views on innovation and smart city developments and lauded the ASEAN Smart Cities Network.

Duterte also said during the summit to consider harmonizing standards for nurses and other healthcare professionals as he looks forward to the conclusion of the negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Panelo added. Celerina Monte/DMS